Lead concern (young children or a pre-1978 home)
Lead in drinking water, older plumbing, or old paint.
There is no safe level of lead. For drinking water, a certified lab test is the dependable check; a first-draw sample taken after water has sat overnight reflects worst-case exposure. Homes built before 1978 may also have lead paint, which is a separate inspection.
What to do
- Test drinking water for lead at an accredited lab, using a first-draw sample.
- Filter at the tap or replace the source if lead is found.
- For a pre-1978 home, look into a lead-paint inspection separately.
Common questions
Is there a safe level of lead in drinking water?
No. Health agencies state there is no safe level of lead, which is why testing and reducing exposure matter, especially for young children and during pregnancy.
How do I test drinking water for lead correctly?
Use an accredited lab and a first-draw sample, collected after water has sat in the pipes for several hours (often overnight). That reflects the worst-case exposure from your plumbing.
What should I do if lead is found in my water?
Use a filter certified for lead reduction at the tap, or replace the lead source. For a home built before 1978, also consider a separate lead-paint inspection.
Where to go next
Mail-in and at-home kits plus certified labs to test drinking and well water for PFAS, lead, bacteria, nitrate, hardness, and more.
Filters and treatment systems matched to specific contaminants, for after your results come back.
Official locators for accredited labs. The national ones (EPA, NELAP, A2LA, AIHA) let you search any state, plus selected state programs.
General information to help you find the right test and an accredited lab. This is not medical, legal, or safety advice. For a confirmed exposure or a health concern, talk to a qualified professional, and always confirm a lab's current accreditation with the certifying body.
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